News from the Chicago Chapter

Reflecting on 2021: IREM Chicago Year in Review

“What feels like the end, is often the beginning.” That phrase certainly can apply to the year 2021, one defined by ongoing demands and uncertainty. Through it all, IREM Chicago charged ahead with a range of online and in-person events and activities. Collectively, we thrived and advanced. Below is a month-by-month account of highlights from 2021.

January
On January 20, IREM Chicago hosted an hour-long webinar to provide members with strategic directions to take related to appealing property taxes in Cook County. The event, “Financial Self Defense,” was led by attorney Michael J. Elliott, founding partner of the Elliott and Associates, P.C. law firm and an IREM Chicago Industry Partner.

Also, in January the Chapter kicked of a regular series of Industry Partner spotlight features and profiles on members who earned IREM certifications.

February
Commercial property professionals who completed requirements for IREM certifications were installed during a virtual ceremony February 2. The Chapter welcomed national leaders 2021 President Chip Watts, CPM® and 2021 President-Elect Barry Blanton, CPM® for the morning event. IREM Chicago President Steve Schimmel, CPM® welcomed all and invited the newly-installed members to continue their professional growth through participation in IREM on the local and national levels.  Six members took part in the installation, and Chapter leadership also participated.

On February 15, IREM Chicago members and Industry Partners took part in a private tour of Bell Works Chicagoland, the former AT&T research facility being redeveloped into an office, dining and retail property. A total of 18 participated in the visit to the complex in Hoffman Estates.

March
An online webinar designed to help professionals stay emotionally strong and focused was held March 10. IREM Chicago hosted “Build Resilience & Conquer Diversity with the 5R’s,” an event led by Mindset and Leadership Coach Karen Calder.

April
A tour of the 24 E. Washington St. property, which for decades housed the Marshall Field department store and now Macys, was held on April 16.  Chapter members learned how this iconic downtown retail property was undergoing a major redevelopment into office space.

The virtual Awards of Excellence – an initiative designed to recognize people and companies for outstanding services and actions in the months since the COVID-19 outbreak – was held April 22.  More than 100 members and Industry Partners participated.  Recognition was given to four individuals, two Industry Partners, and those who took part in the 2020 IREM Foundation Fun Run.

In late April, IREM Chicago leaders and staff met collectively – in person -- to participate in the 2021 IREM Virtual Chapter Leadership Retreat. The team gathered at the O’Hare International Center in Rosemont to take in sessions that included a “management bootcamp,” presentations from a wide range of speakers, a “conversation circle” about equity, inclusion, and diversity, and more.

May 
The Chapter announced in May that Generations Housing Initiatives (GHI) would be the official charity for 2021 and into 2022. Headquartered in Chicago, GHI is dedicated to two goals: 1. Provide social services to residents of affordable housing. 2. Assist developers who plan to build or preserve affordable housing. Chapter Secretary Michelle Hunt, CPM® chaired the Charity Committee.

On May 18, IREM Chicago teamed up with the IREM Minnesota Chapter to present, “How Property Managers Can Emerge Stronger and Healthier from Adversity,” an hour-long webinar. Author and executive coach Matt Norman led the discussion, which addressed factors that create anxiety and disfunction, how to increase clarity, personal growth, and strategies on ways to improve interpersonal relationships.

June
Sad news was shared in mid-June: The passing of Marlene G. Dau, CPM®, past IREM Chicago president and commercial property leader in metropolitan Chicago and the greater Midwest. Marlene died peacefully, surrounded by family members. Marlene founded Tailor Made Property Services, Inc., AMO®, a Chicago-headquartered full-service commercial property management firm; and, she served as the 2007 president of IREM Chicago and held many national volunteer positions with IREM.  Learn more from this news story.

July
More than 75 members, guests, and Industry Partners gathered at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel July 14 for the Mid-Year Market Update, which featured a rousing discussion on the state of the Chicago CRE market in the months since the pandemic outbreak. The Chapter also installed 14 members who earned IREM certifications, raised money for Generations Housing Initiative, and shared information on upcoming events, and progress made to better engage Industry Partners.

August
Morning rain August 9 halted golf for a while, but it did not stop IREM Chicago members, Industry Partners, and guests from having an enjoyable time at the 35th Annual Golf Outing at Kemper Lakes Golf Club. A Silent Auction raised more than $2,600 for Generations Housing Initiative, and 39 Industry Partners provided sponsorships. Moments from the event are captured in a photo gallery posted on the Chapter website. Special thanks to member Tasha Rush, ARM® for sharing the outstanding images.

Later in August, the Chapter learned about the passing of Jules Galanter, CPM®, President of IREM Chicago in 1984 and former manager of asset services for the Illinois Housing Development. Mr. Galanter also was an IREM instructor and in-demand conference speaker.

September
The 2021 season for the Chicago Cubs fell far short of expectations, as the North Siders went into a tailspin following the All Star break. Still, IREM Chicago members, along with colleagues from the Illinois CCIM Chapter, Industry Partners, and guests enjoyed a blustery evening watching the Cubs take on the Minnesota Twins September 22 from a Wrigley Rooftop along Sheffield Avenue. The Cubs lost 5-4.

October
IREM Chicago leadership, members, and staff participated in the 2021 IREM Global Summit held October 11-14 at the Red Rock Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The event theme, “Together we thrive,” certainly was taken to heart through participation in education and networking events, as well as business meetings.  Team IREM Chicago did enjoy time with friends and colleagues in-person at the hotel and at the nearby conservation area.

Chapter members got into the Halloween holiday spirit and demonstrated creativity by participating in the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

As part of the IREM Cares Day tradition, members of the Chicago chapter made the day brighter and more enjoyable for a group of seniors residing in multifamily properties managed through Generations Housing Initiatives.  Chapter members partnered with GHI residents to explore the Garfield Park Conservatory on Chicago’s west side, enjoying one of the city’s true indoor treasures. Residents and members shared life stories and enjoyed the lush greenery and flowers.

November
Starting in the New Year, a long-standing member of IREM Chicago will take on a leadership role within the national organization. In November, it was announced that Tim Kramer, CPM®, ARM® was elected to the IREM national board of directors.  Tim has excelled as a multifamily property management professional, he’s made many volunteer contributions to the Chapter, and he’s an IREM Instructor.

The final in-person event of 2021 brought IREM Chicago leadership, staff, Industry Partners, and guests together for the Networking Event and officer installation November 10.  The early evening event was held at the Revolution Brewery, one of Chicago’s longest standing and foremost craft breweries. Tours of the brewery in Logan Square, which opened in 2010, were available to the 100 participants.

December 
Three goals to keep IREM Chicago on track to serve members and Industry Partners – and remain a vital force in the property management industry -- in the year ahead are outlined in a message from 2022 Chapter President Colleen Needham, CPM®, ARM®, CAM®. Visit this link to read Colleen’s thoughts.

As the year 2022 approaches, IREM Chicago is proud to note that a long-time Chapter leader will serve the region on a national level. Angela Aeschliman, CPM®, past president and a continued force in property management, was named to the 2022 IREM national leadership team as Region 9 Vice President. Angela follows past president Kris Cramer, CPM®, in that role.